Nairobi — The Tanzania Police Force has issued a stern warning that individuals found circulating inciting, mocking, or destabilizing messages through social media, mass text messages, or digital platforms could face treason charges.
In text messages sent to citizens on Monday, police cautioned the public against sharing content that could "cause alarm, provoke unrest, or demean the dignity of others," describing such actions as serious criminal offenses under Tanzanian law.
"Do not circulate images or videos that cause alarm or demean a person's dignity. Doing so [is] a criminal offense and, if found culpable, severe legal action will [be] taken," the message read in part.
The warning came amid heightened political tension following violent protests triggered by the disputed October 29 General Election.
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Hours before the mass text messages, President Samia Suluhu Hassan had vowed to defend Tanzania's peace and sovereignty "through all means and at all cost," warning against any attempts to destabilize the country.
Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony at the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) parade grounds in Dodoma, President Suluhu said her government had evidence linking the unrest to foreign actors allegedly seeking to undermine national stability.
Suluhu vows to defend Tanzania's sovereignty amid unrest, rejects foreign interference
"What happened does not align with the character of a Tanzanian," she said. "It did not surprise us to see that some of those arrested for causing disturbances came from outside the country."
"Our defense and security organs are continuing to investigate these incidents to return Tanzania to the peace we are accustomed to."
Restricted inauguration
The ceremony, closed to the public, was held under tight security and broadcast only on state television underscoring the government's growing concern over internal security and foreign interference.
International observers and opposition parties have denounced the elections as flawed, citing voter intimidation, media censorship, and mass arrests of opposition supporters.
However, President Suluhu dismissed the allegations, insisting the polls were free, fair, and transparent.
Suluhu rejects election reform calls, dismisses Observer criticism as 'foreign interference'
In her address, she called for unity and peace over confrontation, warning that those spreading misinformation or inciting violence online would face the full force of the law.
"Chaos within the country has no value, no price, and no profit for anyone," she said.
"Those who incited violence must know that dialogue produces unity, not division."
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She directed National Security Committee and regional authorities to restore normalcy in affected areas and bring perpetrators to justice.
While the government insists its crackdown is necessary to preserve national peace, human rights groups have raised alarm over growing restrictions on freedom of expression and political dissent in the country.
